We're Exhausted

[Maryland Girl]

I don't know if I have the strength to write this-just exhausted with the pace TV sets for you when you are thinking of purchasing a new home. Our experience has been as follows: our rep says 'You have from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM to decide on this property. If issues arise, the time now becomes 10:00 AM until 12 noon and so on. If you decide to purchase, agreement is faxed and you have until 5 PM the next day to read, absorb, initial/sign and fax back. (We are not in Florida but home in MD).

In November, we put a deposit on a nice oversized lot in Buttonwood, but really want a CYV, in part, so our dogs can be fenced. Then the Edgewater Bungalows open up and we ride the above mentioned time-setting conveyor belt but back out before signing faxed documents because, as stated, the size is just too small. THEN I happen to open the webite and notice ALL the Edgewater Bungalows are now for sale. Oh my, one CYV is stretched and is perfect for our needs. What to do, what to do!!!! Well, this villa sells faster than you can say 'sold!" No other CYV suits us so...back to the lot in Buttonwood. That same evening, we are on the phone with our rep who says 'looks like this sale might not go through and the CYV will be back on the market.' Apparently, if the sale is cancelled after 5 or 6 PM, no rep can queque up to sell again before 5 PM the next day..so, the rep gets in line hoping to snare this property for his client. We wait until 5 PM the next day to get the news that the villa is ours if we want it. Then back on the time-setting conveyor belt to make a decision to slam down a quarter of a million dollars + in two hours! Decision is made-we will purchase. The faxed documents come through once again with time to read, absord, initial/sign by 5 PM the following day. In addition, it is 20% down or cash and the closing is generously stretched a bit to Feb 3 as the villa is not ready by the time the papers are faxed. Talk about 'stick a fork in it-we are pressured cooked to perfection!' What an experience!! For some strange reason, we thought we were in a buyers' market!!!'

Are we happy? Yes and no. We believe we got the perfect home, but....the biggest concern we have is finding medical care, especially a primary care doctor who is caring and who monitors as well as treats your health issues. We have a wonderful primary care doctor now and live near Johns Hopkins Hospital. To our way of thinking, you would be crazy to give that up without feeling a twinge of concern!

When will we be in TV permanently? - don't know. We have to recover from this whole process before attempting a move. Checking with our primary care and Johns Hopkins regarding recuperative care as soon as I post this. :loco:

[Niels]

Well if you think that's bad... try doing it in person. Those same documents that you had until 5pm the next day to read and sign I had to read and sign on the spot. :1rotfl:

Actually this is what a buyer's market looks like in The Villages. Several years ago you would have paid a higher price and had less choices.

Welcome to The Villages. :a040:

[Pturner]

OK, Maryland Girl,
If you haven't had time yet to absorb and be excited then...

I'll be excited for you!
:a040::pepper2::pepper2::a040::coolsmiley::welcome :

[Tbugs]

Sounds as though you had some really quick decisions to make. I am sure you will be happy, though.

My wife and I worked through a Villages Realty agent as well as a non-Villages agent so we could see both Village listed property as well as non-Villages listed properties. We ended up with a home sold through ERA Realty and we were able to negotiate price with the seller, get the closing date we wanted, and not be rushed. Also extremely low bond since the home is 9 years old in an established neighborhood.

When we first came looking at The Villages about 5 years ago, it was "look at a house, decide within 3 hours, or it was gone". It was also at full price at that time. Even in The Villages, the real estate bubble burst or at least fizzeled.

There are still some remarkable bargains in re-sale home in established neighborhoods for all kinds of houses.

[Maryland Girl]

Sounds as though you had some really quick decisions to make. I am sure you will be happy, though.

My wife and I worked through a Villages Realty agent as well as a non-Villages agent so we could see both Village listed property as well as non-Villages listed properties. We ended up with a home sold through ERA Realty and we were able to negotiate price with the seller, get the closing date we wanted, and not be rushed. Also extremely low bond since the home is 9 years old in an established neighborhood.

When we first came looking at The Villages about 5 years ago, it was "look at a house, decide within 3 hours, or it was gone". It was also at full price at that time. Even in The Villages, the real estate bubble burst or at least fizzeled.

There are still some remarkable bargains in re-sale home in established neighborhoods for all kinds of houses.

Yes, we know there are some great buys with pre-owned homes. I didn't get into the fact that we seriously considered buying two before we put the deposit down on the lot in Buttonwood. Ideally, what we were looking for didn't exist in TV until Edgewater Bungalows opened. Our sales rep swears even the sales staff didn't know the details of these homes-some of the villas have been expanded in size, with a two-care garage, a large lot and located within walking distance of LSL. Wow!! Truth be told, we were stunned that all of a sudden without warning our 'ideal' home was sitting before us and available for purchase. We took advantage of the opportunity and now will just take some time to absorb our decision.

IMHO, the design/sales departments for TV would be wise to consider another such neighborhood for Brownwood as well as a small area of designer homes with fences-bet they would be snapped up quickly like the Edgewater Bungalows! :)

[Maryland Girl]

Well if you think that's bad... try doing it in person. Those same documents that you had until 5pm the next day to read and sign I had to read and sign on the spot. :1rotfl:

Actually this is what a buyer's market looks like in The Villages. Several years ago you would have paid a higher price and had less choices.

Welcome to The Villages. :a040:


:agree:

Thank you!

[pooh]

Welcome!!! You're getting practice for all the stuff you'll be doing around here... ;)

We purchased our home from pictures sent to us by our agent. Again, that 2 hour window, but the house was the perfect one for us.....and we got the call at 6:30 in the morning. Agent forgot about the time difference, we were in CA. Everything worked out, we're here a bit over 4 years and it was the best move we've ever made. You'll feel the same way, too....and you'll find the right health care for you and spouse.

CONGRATULATIONS!

[tudacee]

Went through something similar ...via buying long distance. But, once the hubbub is over with, you can relax and enjoy it...

Happy Holidays...a great gift to give yourself...
Welcome to the Villages.

[Larryandlinda]

<snip>
IMHO, the design/sales departments for TV would be wise to consider another such neighborhood for Brownwood as well as a small area of designer homes with fences-bet they would be snapped up quickly like the Edgewater Bungalows! :)
The fence/pet friendly/larger lot is a fine idea, though we will probably not have a pet there. While the pet and control situation in TV works for all, having the ability to allow free roaming on your grounds is a plus.
As far as the pressure, we bought our second home from Maryland based on a listing and visit by our friends there.
We left the decision to 'fate' and made an offer we though was sure to be ignored completely, but they accepted it even without a counter. There were no TV properties nor anything new that they would allow, and there was plenty of time for us to call the shots on timing.
We're not sure when we'll re-locate, but snagged it just in case the urge hits.
We'll be snowdrifts till then

L and L

[Maryland Girl]

OK, Maryland Girl,
If you haven't had time yet to absorb and be excited then...

I'll be excited for you!
:a040::pepper2::pepper2::a040::coolsmiley::welcome :


Bless you and thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!!!!!

[kb8tpw]

Great reading, I'm sure living it wasn't the same. You will be happy. Don't let the medical scenario worry you, you'll do okay, maybe make a change or two to tweak, but the medical choices and selections are fine. We've made a change or two and recently had a primary care doctor change practices, so will have to find another, but between the two of us we have a multitude of medical needs and we're satisfied. I signed our sales ageement in the Villages hospital a year ago next month so we started our medical journey off right.

Sounds as if you did your home work, so you'll reap the benefits....

Welcome !

[bike42]

We took advantage of the opportunity and now will just take some time to absorb our decision.


You made a great choice; those bungalows are unique and will only go up in value. They are poured concrete (not block) so your utility bills will be so low you won't even notice you paid them. You'll find plenty of health care options here, and if you absolutely have to go back to Maryland once in a while, the flights are cheap. :welcome:

[Maryland Girl]

Oh my gosh, we thank each and everyone of you for your encouraging comments! It just lifts the spirit to see how people overcome adversity and manage to keep their generous hearts and beautiful smiles. Living in TV will be wonderful with so many caring and supportive folks around us!

Blessings always and may you and those you love have a beautiful Christmas season and a happy and peaceful New Year.

:mademyday:

[festusrules]

We recently looked at several properties and chose one. Sales person was nice and not pushy. Soon as we decided to buy the process went into hyperspeed. Review and sign their contracts, but do not make changes.
Take all the time you need, as long as it is done in 2-3 hours.

I resisted at first (their contract language was one-sided) but relented and signed bsed on feeling that this place is so popular and apparently all the hypothetical issues have not caused problems with the residents.

Closed in early December and moving in early January. Hope we have made a good decision.

[Pturner]

We recently looked at several properties and chose one. Sales person was nice and not pushy. Soon as we decided to buy the process went into hyperspeed. Review and sign their contracts, but do not make changes.
Take all the time you need, as long as it is done in 2-3 hours.

I resisted at first (their contract language was one-sided) but relented and signed bsed on feeling that this place is so popular and apparently all the hypothetical issues have not caused problems with the residents.

Closed in early December and moving in early January. Hope we have made a good decision.

Festus,
That's exciting. You made a great decision! So far, I've never met a Villager who regretted moving or owning in TV. There are just too many nice people to meet and too much fun to be had.

Good luck on your move and all best wishes!

:wine:

[nkrifats]

We recently looked at several properties and chose one. Sales person was nice and not pushy. Soon as we decided to buy the process went into hyperspeed. Review and sign their contracts, but do not make changes.
Take all the time you need, as long as it is done in 2-3 hours.

I resisted at first (their contract language was one-sided) but relented and signed bsed on feeling that this place is so popular and apparently all the hypothetical issues have not caused problems with the residents.

Closed in early December and moving in early January. Hope we have made a good decision.
I believe you have made a good decision. We are only part time presently and love the time we do get in the villages.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Maryland girl - Sounds like stressful times for you! But as others have said, it'll be fine - things have a way of working themselves out. Your experience in buying new sounds the same as just about everyone else who has gone that same route so don't feel like you're alone. It sounds like it has gone o.k. for just about everyone else.

Congrats on your decision! Sandy and I drove over to see those CYVs today and they're absolutely beautiful!! So nice - and unique!

Enjoy!

Bill

[Russ_Boston]

I kind of surprised that most posters are talking about the buying process and such.

When I read your first question it seems like a straight forward "what the heck is TV doing by rushing us like this etc." But then at the end you state the whole Johns Hopkins thing.

Forget about the villa or the home or the process or anything until you sit down and really think about your medical statement.

Do I think you'll find quality care in TV? Heck yes. I'll be part of it as I will be working as a nurse somewhere in TV area when we move. But should you move with any medical doubts still in your mind? Absolutely not!

In the end I think you'll be satisfied with medical care in TV and join us down here in paradise!

[skip0358]

Wife and I took a ride thru those villas the other day. Actualy got to see a few. According to what the salesperson told us they went so fast they're were back up buyers for just about everyone of them. There were only a few left the other day and one salesperson would leave and the next would come in. Even the sales people were surprised. They to assumed the new Villas were being built for LSV but got the word one morning to sell ASAP and boy they did.

[villages07]

Congrats, MD Girl ... what a great location and neat looking villas. TV has a unique real estate process, but, it does work so, fear not. It'll end up being one of the best decisions you've ever made.

I first learned on TOTV a couple of weeks ago that the Edgewater Bungalows were being sold. At that time, the map looked like just maybe a third of them were to be sold. In looking at the map yesterday, it looks like all of them were put up for sale and only a very few are left.

I, too, thought the Edgewater bungalows were for the preview program. Since a few of the Creekside Landing homes and villas were also sold, seems to me that the overall number of homes available for the preview program will be less this year.

It's an ever-changing landscape. Hang on for the ride.

[Army Guy]

Gosh, after reading your post Maryland Girl I am glad we bought back several years ago when things were slow! We actually had 3 MONTHS to decide while our CYV was held for us by TV during the whole period. Things sure have changed!

Army Guy

[Maryland Girl]

I kind of surprised that most posters are talking about the buying process and such.

When I read your first question it seems like a straight forward "what the heck is TV doing by rushing us like this etc." But then at the end you state the whole Johns Hopkins thing.

Forget about the villa or the home or the process or anything until you sit down and really think about your medical statement.

Do I think you'll find quality care in TV? Heck yes. I'll be part of it as I will be working as a nurse somewhere in TV area when we move. But should you move with any medical doubts still in your mind? Absolutely not!

In the end I think you'll be satisfied with medical care in TV and join us down here in paradise!

Russ,
Trust me when I tell you we have sat down and 'thought about it.' We don't see the exhausting process of buying a home in TV and concern over medical care mutually exclusive. I hope you are correct and we will be satisfied with the medical care. I can't imagine anyone undergoing the changes required to move and create a new life without having some doubts or concerns. Again, it is all part of the process.

[graciegirl]

I didn't feel rushed to buy when we were looking at homes here. I knew and still know that there will be more built if not exactly like what we want, pretty close. I say that because we are thinking of selling our home in Hadley to buy a bigger one when we sell our house in Cincinnati.

I think buying a home in TV is pretty easy, all things considered, if you do your homework.

However, I can well understand anyone's hesitancy about being darned sure you can get GOOD medical care closeby. (And everyones definition of good medical care is different.)

I will say that my opinion of the medical care available in Sumter county has improved in the two years since we have owned a home there. I don't think it is as good as that available in Cincinnati which is a mecca of research but it is good.

The opportunity to build a remarkable hospital and research center near TV that concentrates on geriatric issues is one that I hope is fulfilled soon. Maybe not in my lifetime but it would make The Villages one of the most desirable places to live in the world for seniors if that happened. (In my opinion, boss)

I wish you luck in your journey Maryland Girl.
I hope you find a place for yourselves here in The Villages that makes you happy and fulfilled.

Welcome to you.

[skyguy79]

we are thinking of selling our home in Hadley to buy a bigger one when we sell our house in Cincinnati. OMG, you find out that we're coming to Hadley and now you want out of it? Why I never!!! :sigh:

[graciegirl]

OMG, you find out that we're coming to Hadley and now you want out of it? Why I never!!! :sigh:

OH dear.

I love Hadley.

We just would like a little bigger space, especially since our Helene lives with us and she has a little dinky bedroom here in our pretty house in Hadley.(Although she doesn't complain)

I am so pleased you want to be in Hadley too and I hope you will be our friend. Selling our home in Cincy in this market isn't happening anytime soon. We are gonna be back to Hadley very soon,as soon as I get this root canal taken care of. (By the 5th January, good Lord willin' and the creek don't rise)

Please stop by, Mr.and Mrs. Skyguy. ( I am thinking you must be a pilot and we have dear friends just a couple of houses away who are retired pilots, married to each other.)

[2BNTV]

I don't know if I have the strength to write this-just exhausted with the pace TV sets for you when you are thinking of purchasing a new home. Our experience has been as follows: our rep says 'You have from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM to decide on this property. If issues arise, the time now becomes 10:00 AM until 12 noon and so on. If you decide to purchase, agreement is faxed and you have until 5 PM the next day to read, absorb, initial/sign and fax back. (We are not in Florida but home in MD).

In November, we put a deposit on a nice oversized lot in Buttonwood, but really want a CYV, in part, so our dogs can be fenced. Then the Edgewater Bungalows open up and we ride the above mentioned time-setting conveyor belt but back out before signing faxed documents because, as stated, the size is just too small. THEN I happen to open the webite and notice ALL the Edgewater Bungalows are now for sale. Oh my, one CYV is stretched and is perfect for our needs. What to do, what to do!!!! Well, this villa sells faster than you can say 'sold!" No other CYV suits us so...back to the lot in Buttonwood. That same evening, we are on the phone with our rep who says 'looks like this sale might not go through and the CYV will be back on the market.' Apparently, if the sale is cancelled after 5 or 6 PM, no rep can queque up to sell again before 5 PM the next day..so, the rep gets in line hoping to snare this property for his client. We wait until 5 PM the next day to get the news that the villa is ours if we want it. Then back on the time-setting conveyor belt to make a decision to slam down a quarter of a million dollars + in two hours! Decision is made-we will purchase. The faxed documents come through once again with time to read, absord, initial/sign by 5 PM the following day. In addition, it is 20% down or cash and the closing is generously stretched a bit to Feb 3 as the villa is not ready by the time the papers are faxed. Talk about 'stick a fork in it-we are pressured cooked to perfection!' What an experience!! For some strange reason, we thought we were in a buyers' market!!!'

Are we happy? Yes and no. We believe we got the perfect home, but....the biggest concern we have is finding medical care, especially a primary care doctor who is caring and who monitors as well as treats your health issues. We have a wonderful primary care doctor now and live near Johns Hopkins Hospital. To our way of thinking, you would be crazy to give that up without feeling a twinge of concern!

When will we be in TV permanently? - don't know. We have to recover from this whole process before attempting a move. Checking with our primary care and Johns Hopkins regarding recuperative care as soon as I post this. :loco:

I was anxious just reading your post as I am a person who needs to read anything of importance that I am going to sign.

Then another thought occurred. How can the Villages sell something that is not on the up and up. They must be doing something right as many homes are being snapped up.

I was on the website last night and it broke my heart to see a home that was perfect for me but I can't do anything until my place in CT is sold. Probably won't be soon in this market.

You wouldn't be human is there was not some anxiety about a major change in your life. After the initial flurry of activity, things will calm down and you'll will feel you made the right decision.

Best Wishes for future happiness and Happy New Year.

[Maryland Girl]

I didn't feel rushed to buy when we were looking at homes here. I knew and still know that there will be more built if not exactly like what we want, pretty close. I say that because we are thinking of selling our home in Hadley to buy a bigger one when we sell our house in Cincinnati.

I think buying a home in TV is pretty easy, all things considered, if you do your homework.

However, I can well understand anyone's hesitancy about being darned sure you can get GOOD medical care closeby. (And everyones definition of good medical care is different.)

I will say that my opinion of the medical care available in Sumter county has improved in the two years since we have owned a home there. I don't think it is as good as that available in Cincinnati which is a mecca of research but it is good.

The opportunity to build a remarkable hospital and research center near TV that concentrates on geriatric issues is one that I hope is fulfilled soon. Maybe not in my lifetime but it would make The Villages one of the most desirable places to live in the world for seniors if that happened. (In my opinion, boss)

I wish you luck in your journey Maryland Girl.
I hope you find a place for yourselves here in The Villages that makes you happy and fulfilled.

Welcome to you.

Thanks so much Gracie. I couldn't agree more that a 'good' hospital near TV that concentrates on geriatric issues would be a real blessing and a substantial draw for the community at large. It is nice to know that your opinion of medical care in TV has gone up. At least that is in the right direction!

I recently read a post from 2008 that said essentially the same things about the buying process as I did in my post. The only differences were in 2008 you had 3 hours (instead of 2) to think about it and you had 5 days to pay up (instead of 7). I'm thinking the pressure came from finding exactly what we were looking for (which didn't exist in TV before the Edgewater Bungalows were built) and then having to make such a quick decision. Well, the decision is made and so far we are happy about it. That doesn't mean we still don't feel strees because we do but...still lots to think about.

Also, just a reminder that we were told that once Brownwood is completed approximately in the next four years, then TV will have reached buildout. I specifically asked 'Does that mean from that point on, you will no longer be able to buy a new home in TV?' The answer was yes and was expanded to say that this should really help preowned home sales. Just something to think about, especially for anyone wanting to buy a new home.

[Maryland Girl]

I was anxious just reading your post as I am a person who needs to read anything of importance that I am going to sign.

Then another thought occurred. How can the Villages sell something that is not on the up and up. They must be doing something right as many homes are being snapped up.

I was on the website last night and it broke my heart to see a home that was perfect for me but I can't do anything until my place in CT is sold. Probably won't be soon in this market.

You wouldn't be human is there was not some anxiety about a major change in your life. After the initial flurry of activity, things will calm down and you'll will feel you made the right decision.

Best Wishes for future happiness and Happy New Year.

Hi 2BNTV,
Oh yes, we think TV is on the up and up. It is just that if you don't like the terms they set, then get out of the way because there are 3 people behind you that will take your place. They just bump you and move you along so you don't dawdle with your decision. We did survive and are feeling better. We have decided to close by mail so we don't have to worry about bad weather on Feb. 3, our closing date. That has taken a lot of pressure off. Also, we were able to get a good homeowner's insurance policy at a reasonable cost. So, things are moving along.

Thanks so much for the good wishes and we send ours to you! I will say, it seems as if TV has some really nice people who really do wish you the best. That is truly a blessing.

[skyguy79]

Please stop by, Mr.and Mrs. Skyguy. ( I am thinking you must be a pilot and we have dear friends just a couple of houses away who are retired pilots, married to each other.)No I'm not a pilot. My using Sky has nothing to do with flying. :plane: It comes from a Drum & Bugle Corps that I was a member of for a few years back at the end of the 1970's. They are called The New York Skyliners and I played bugle with them. BTW, I was just kidd'n you about your looking to move once you can.